Director of Development - College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment

Overview

Auburn Advancement and the College of Forestry,Wildlife and Environment are excited to begin the search for a Director of Development! The College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment is a flagship institution and the backbone of Alabama’s $40 billion+ forest, wildlife, and natural resources-related enterprises, a significant component of the State’s economic and employment  this leadership role, you will guide and inspire a team of development professionals while driving strategy for major and principal gifts in support of a college recognized nationally and internationally for excellence.

With world-class faculty and staff, state-of-the-art labs, field sites, and other infrastructure
-combined with the unwavering support of its alumni, stakeholders, and friends
-the College aspires to become a top-ranked natural resources institution in the nation and world. Your leadership and strategic vision will cultivate meaningful relationships and secure transformative support that advances our mission and strengthens Auburn University’s future.

• Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team: Provide strategic direction, mentorship, and oversight to a team of development professionals. Set clear expectations, manage performance, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and growth.
• Strengthen Partnerships and Engagement: Build strong relationships with the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment Dean, academic leaders, and volunteer groups, ensuring active participation in fundraising efforts. Develop proposals and engagement strategies that keep top prospects informed and connected.
• Drive Fundraising Strategy and Results: Oversee major and principal gift efforts by guiding staff in developing effective solicitation strategies, monitoring progress toward goals, and ensuring alignment with institutional priorities. Cultivate and engage alumni, philanthropists, corporations, foundations, and volunteer leaders to secure philanthropic support. Align donor passions with Auburn University’s vision to address critical funding needs and advance the mission of the Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, benefiting its students, faculty, and staff.
• Oversee Operations and Strategic Planning: Assess team effectiveness, remove barriers to success, and manage resources, including budget oversight. Collaborate with Advancement leadership to refine strategy, support campaign planning, and drive continuous improvement.

• Impactful Work: Your efforts will directly contribute to the growth and success of College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, Auburn University, and their priorities.
• Collaborative Environment: Join a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to making a difference.
• Purpose Driven Work: Align your passion and fulfillment to your work, where you’re trusted to reach your full potential and achieve your pinnacle career experience.
• Culture by Design: Thrive in a culture that champions respect, accountability, and professional development.

Now is the perfect time to join Auburn Advancement, a dynamic team encompassing Operations and Strategy, Culture and Talent, Engagement, Philanthropy, and Communications. Under the visionary leadership of Senior Vice President Rob Wellbaum – a seasoned and respected advancement professional – our organization is set to revolutionize the future of Advancement.

This position reports to the Assistant Vice President for Philanthropy, Will Johnson, and works in close partnership with Dr. Janaki Alavalapati, Emmett

F. Thompson Dean College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment. Dean Alavalapati advances the college’s academic mission in instruction, research, outreach, and professional service. During his tenure as dean, Alavalapati has expanded the college’s academic, research and Extension and outreach platforms, ushering in a period of significant growth, noted by the school’s establishment as a college in 2022 and renaming as the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment shortly thereafter.

The nature of this role is highly externally focused, requiring frequent travel and meetings…